Orthodontic issues can be relatively common and, in some cases, difficult to spot. Our orthodontists in Surrey discuss what is considered normal for your teeth and bite alignment, signs of issues and why it's important to correct bite issues.
Characteristics of a Normal Bite
Having straight teeth not only enhances your smile but also boosts your overall oral health, benefiting both your teeth and gums. It's crucial to understand that even if your teeth appear straight when you look in the mirror, there may still be subtle bite issues that require attention. In this post, we will explore whether issues like an underbite or overbite are normal and when you should seek orthodontic treatment.
Key Features of an Ideal Bite
Certain aspects of your bite are viewed when determining your bite. With an ideal bite, you would have:
Upper Teeth Slightly Overlapping Lower Teeth: The upper front teeth should slightly overlap the lower front teeth, covering approximately one-third of the lower teeth.
Aligned Molars: The upper molars should fit into the grooves of the lower molars. This is crucial for optimal chewing and grinding of food.
Symmetry: The bite should be symmetrical, and the teeth should meet when the jaw is closed.
Why is a normal bite important?
Having a healthy bite is essential for proper oral function. Correcting malocclusion can help prevent issues like overcrowding, gum disease, and excessive tooth wear in the future. Additionally, it can improve jaw problems such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
Some other benefits of treatment for malocclusions include:
Efficient Chewing: A well-aligned bite enhances chewing efficiency, supporting better digestion and maximizing nutrient absorption. This improvement can lead to overall better health and wellness.
Clear Speech: Achieving an ideal bite can contribute to clearer speech and better pronunciation when speaking.
Oral Health: Proper alignment can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and excessive wear by evenly distributing the force of each bite.
Reduced Jaw Strain: A proper bite helps decrease the chances of experiencing jaw pain and developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
How to Identify a Normal Bite
Recognizing the ideal appearance of teeth can be a bit tricky since everyone has unique teeth and bone structures. When you visit your orthodontist for an evaluation, they will perform a visual examination as well as X-rays to determine the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
Signs of a Normal Bite
These are the signs that your teeth have a normal bite, free of alignment issues.
Front View: When you smile, your upper teeth should slightly overlap the lower teeth, and the edges should align horizontally.
Side View: The upper and lower molars should interlock, with the upper molar sitting slightly forward from the lower molar.
Teeth Contact: When you bite down, all of your teeth should come into gentle contact with each other.
Common Bite Issues
Your orthodontist will be able to identify your ideal bite so that you can begin treatment, such as having braces.
The most common issues that can affect your bite include:
Overbite: When comparing a normal bite vs. an overbite, the main characteristic of an overbite is that the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth.
Underbite: If you have an underbite, the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth.
Crossbite: For patients experiencing a crossbite, the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth.
Open Bite: In the case of an open bite, the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.
Crowding or Spacing: Crowding or other spacing issues can be either that the teeth are too close together or there are large gaps between them.
Treatment Options for Bite Issues
At Guildford Orthodontic Centre, we offer several different orthodontic treatment methods to address bite issues, including:
Braces: In addition to traditional metal braces, we offer coloured and translucent cosmetic braces. These use wires and brackets to help shift the teeth into their desired positions.
Invisalign (Clear Aligners): With Invisalign, bite issues can be addressed without the use of metal wires. These clear trays put gentle pressure on each tooth, helping to move them to their prescribed position.
Surgical Orthodontics (Orthognathic Surgery): Surgical orthodontic treatments are used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to help correct jaw irregularities and improve facial symmetry, along with the ability to speak, eat, and breathe.
When to Seek Professional Help to Correct Your Bite
If you experience any signs of orthodontic issues, such as discomfort in the jaw, crowding or crooked teeth, frequent headaches, or tooth sensitivity, please reach out to your orthodontist right away. They will complete an orthodontic evaluation and provide you with a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.